Friday, August 30, 2013

Fun With Christmas Tags & LNS Fall Treasure Hunt!


Happy Friday!

I don't know about where you are located but here in Saskatchewan Canada we are still in the midst of a heat wave.  I refuse to complain though because I want free reign to complain when it gets cold!  If your finding the weather is a little warm for you, this little project should help bring you "cool" thoughts...its the fourth and final project I designed for U Stamp with Dawn & Friends 'Heating up the Holiday's' round.

A simple set of gift cards with a little sparkle and a box to store them all is the perfect way to finish off a little gift to someone special during the holidays - and if you start now you'll have a supply for all those last minute gifts too!  This would also work great if you need a little Thank You gift for a holiday party your attending - what hostess wouldn't want a set of homemade tags?

If you'd like step by step instructions for this project, any of the other three projects I designed, or one of another designers fabulous projects (there are over 40!) click on the blinkie in the left side bar to be re-directed to sign up!  I'm already busy on the next rounds projects so stayed tuned for those!

Stampin' Up! has released the September Best of set early!


I'm pretty excited about this one!  I love the colors of Autumn so I know I can't wait to order and start stamping!  Remember to keep all your 25yr stickers from each set you purchase because once you collect 6 you can send in your collectors card for a FREE stamp set of your choice valued up to $17.95.

I've also joined the Fall version of the Late Night Stamper's Treasure Hunt (a little late but better late than never right?).  It's a great opportunity to visit blogs you might never have found otherwise; especially since this time clues are hidden across the globe!  Stampin' Up! demo's from Canada, USA, and the UK are ALL participating - how fun is that!!!!  This also means that winner's will be announced from each country!


Here's how you can play along:

-Go to the page (listed at the top of my blog) "LNS Treasure Hunt Participating Blogs"

-Visit each of the blogs listed (it's always nice to leave a comment!) look for participating Treasure Hunt players - they will have a picture of the SU! box (like pictured above) and will list their clue

-Make a note of what the clue is, and whose blog it is on

-Once you've collected 50 clues, email them to ME (mmp12_98@yahoo.com) listing each clue and where you found it

-You have from Tuesday, August 20th until Friday, October 25, 2013 to collect 50 clues and email them to me, to be entered into the contest - contest closes Friday October 25, 2013 at midnight PST

So, wondering what my clue is yet so you can get started??  It's DAZZLING DETAILS - the perfect way to add a little sparkle to your project!

OK, GET HUNTING EVERYONE!  I'll see you back here next week with new projects and cards in tow!
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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

White Hydrangea Birthday


I love the look of monochromatic, white on white cards.  The only problem is no matter how much I set my mind to creating one, it just never ends up ALL white.  Even in my failed attempt I will say I think I kept the color quite minimal - just the sentiment and the very tips of the Hydrangea flowers are inked.  Maybe on my next attempt I'll achieve my goal :)

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Apothecary Art
Cardstock: Whisper White
Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe
Big Shot: Pretty Print Textured Impressions EF, Floral Fusion Sizzlits, Little Leaves Sizzlits, Finishing Touches Edgelits
Accessories: Sponges, Basic Pearls, Pierce Mat, Stylus Tool, Tombow liquid adhesive

I'd love to hear from you - do you find it hard to create monochromatic, or does it come easy?  I have been looking at inspiration photos on Pinterest and I can't believe how many BEAUTIFUL examples there are! Looks like there might be some serious pinning going on for me later today!

Until next time...
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Monday, August 26, 2013

Cinderella Punch Art Blog Candy Winner!

Happy Monday!

Thank you to everyone who left comments and entered into the "Cinderella's Dressing Room" punch art Blog Candy!

The winner of the FREE TUTORIAL is:
NANCY SEED who wrote:

OMG!  This is so adorable.  Any little girl would love it, for that matter any big girl would love it too.  A lot of work has gone into this creation and you should be very proud of it.  TFS

Please forward me your email address Nancy and I'll send the tutorial off to you!

I'll be back later today or tomorrow with another post - until then have a wonderful day!
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Friday, August 23, 2013

Blog Candy Anyone?


Happy Friday!

Here we are again at the end of another week - and to celebrate I thought I'd offer a little Blog Candy!  I'm pretty excited about my newest creation and I want to share it with ONE lucky reader!  If you would like a chance to own a complimentary copy of this Cinderella Dressing Room Punch Art tutorial, simply leave a comment here or on the original post to be entered (and if you've already commented, your name will be automatically entered into the draw).

I'll choose the winner this Sunday, August 25th via a random draw generator and announce the winner's name on Monday's post.


Have a wonderful weekend!
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Thursday, August 22, 2013

Cinderella's Dressing Room Punch Art


Hello!

Feel like creating a little whimsy and magic with me?  Well now you can with this Cinderella inspired punch art!  This is my newest creation available in my Online Tutorial Store right now!

If you are a follower of my blog you've probably noticed that I enjoy, OK, LOVE creating punch art - if I don't have a stamp that fits the occasion, no problem, I just punch it!  I love the challenge of creating with just a pile of paper, some punches, scissors, glue, and a little imagination.  When broken down to read like this, punch art is really the most simplistic paper crafting there is!

The inspiration for this piece came at a random moment when I was creating this Tinkerbell card; I immediately jotted my ideas down so I wouldn't forget the next day.  I hadn't decided on a Princess yet but I knew I wanted to create a realistic scene with a few characters from one of the Disney Princess movies.  The next day I did a little internet research and decided on Cinderella's original Pink Ball Gown, simply because I wanted to incorporate those adorable little field mice that altered it for her in the movie!  And because I wanted to incorporate so many elements, the project turned into wall art - this would be perfect displayed within a shadow box - the finished dimensions are 8" x 10"!  I truly think any girl, any age, would love to have this handmade artwork on display!  This would make a perfect birthday or Christmas gift!

After completing this project, my imagination just won't let me stop!  I have a few other Princess & Fairy designs sketched and as I finish those they'll be added to my Online Tutorial Store as well.  And if Princesses aren't your thing I have a few Super Hero ideas I hope to add as well!

If you would like to purchase this detailed tutorial, please visit my Online Tutorial Store by clicking on the tab at the top of my page.  Your step by step PDF file will be emailed to you within 24 hours of purchase.

Hope you have an enchanting day!
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Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Pink & Gold Christmas


I have an early Christmas project to share with you today!  This is the third of four projects I made for Heating Up the Holidays at U Stamp with Dawn & Friends.  I decided before designing this card and box set that I was going to stretch outside the typical traditional Christmas color palette and that I did!  The contemporary Primrose Petals is made a little more traditional with Baked Brown Sugar, Very Vanilla, and a little linen thread.  Champagne Glass glitter adds the finishing touch sparkle every Holiday card needs!

What a great hostess gift this would make - all the cards and envelopes fit into the matching card box for easy gift giving!

If this project is calling your name, you can head on over to U Stamp with Dawn & Friends by clicking on the blinkie in the left side bar.  Once you sign up you will have access to over 40 Holiday projects - with so many choices you won't know what to make first!

Thanks for taking the time to stop by today!  I have finally found the time to create a new tutorial for my store which I hope to share tomorrow - it will be an ongoing series of tutorials which I am over the moon excited about and can't wait to show you!

Until next time...
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Monday, August 19, 2013

Tinkerbell & Pixie Dust


Hello Monday!

I think we can all use a little "Faith, Love, and Pixie Dust" young or old, don't you think?  As always, when I'm able to create a card for a little girl I get excited - and creating Tinkerbell was no exception!  I searched on Google for a little inspiration and ran across a movie cover photo similar to this - I was entranced simply because it looked so magical and I wanted to re-create that in my card.  Hope you like it!

Supplies:

Stamp sets:  Itty Bitty Banners
Cardstock: Midnight Muse, Whisper White, Pool Party, Daffodil Delight, Crisp Cantaloupe, Gumball Green, Vellum
Ink: Marina Mist, Midnight Muse, Crisp Cantaloupe, Gumball Green, Chocolate Chip, White Craft
Punches: 1 3/4" circle, 1 1/4" circle
Big Shot: Oval Collection Framelits
Accessories: Markers, White gel pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Sponges, Brayer, 2 way glue pen, Tombow liquid adhesive, paper snips


Before I sign off for today I wanted to share some new Single Stamps that are available for the upcoming Holiday Season!  All are brand new, never before seen and only available until January 31, 2014 so grab yours while you can and get a jump on your Holiday projects!



Have a wonderful day!
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Friday, August 16, 2013

Joy Christmas Banner



Happy Friday!

Today's share is the second of four projects I designed for U Stamp with Dawn & Friends, Heating Up the Holidays. It's Christmas focused but with a slight twist using a color palette that is by no means traditional - which seems to be the trend over the last few years when it comes to Holiday Decor.

As with every project designed for this round I used a collection of new products in the Holiday catalog, as well as a few items from the main catty.  The Big Shot played a large part in creating this banner, using various dies and framelits to create the finished product (not to mention I'm OBSESSED with the new Magnetic Platform - my framelits no longer shift or go askew on my project - so given any chance to use it I do!)

If you'd like to see the full step by step tutorial for this project click on the Heating Up the Holiday's blinkie in the left sidebar to be re-directed to the U Stamp with Dawn & Friends website.  You'll find a mix of Halloween, Fall/Autumn, Thanksgiving, and of course Christmas projects that will help you get a jump start to the season!

Have a wonderful weekend!
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Thursday, August 15, 2013

Hidden Hello


Do you spot the hidden "hello"?  This was the technique I taught at this month's stamp class.  I first learned of this technique a while back by accident while surfing on the net.  I made a variation where a butterfly was hidden among an image.  Most recently fellow demonstrator and U Stamp with Dawn & Friends designer, Kirsteen Gill came up with a technique that layers stamped images onto letters called Two Tier Eclipse Technique.  My mind immediately raced with ideas for this technique - spell LOVE with heart images in the background, or how about CAKE with a birthday cake image...endless ideas and possibilities for this one!

If you would like to purchase Kirsteen's wonderful tutorial, you can click HERE to be redirected to her page with the link.

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Backyard Basics
Cardstock: Crushed Curry, Whisper White, Sweater Weather DSP
Ink: Black Staz-On
Accessories: Alphabet Simple Letters (retired - use Typeset Alphabet in replacement), Markers, Sticky Strip, Tombow liquid adhesive, Snail adhesive, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Smoky Slate Chevron Ribbon

Until next time...
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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Vintage Deer & Ruffled Paper Tutorial


I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I sometimes struggle with a concept for a more masculine based card, but how about a masculine based stamp made feminine?  I decided to challenge myself and see what I could come up with!

There were three items I immediately put on my want list when I browsed the new Holiday catalog for the first time and I featured all three in this card: the Remembering Christmas stamp set, the Sweater Weather Designer Series paper, and the Burlap ribbon.  When you look at all three of these items there is no denying they all look quite masculine together, however, add in a little Pool Party polka dot paper and some vintage ruffles and all the sudden it takes on a feminine feel!  I've created a step by step photo tutorial below on how to create this card along with paper ruffles - hope you enjoy!

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Remembering Christmas
Cardstock: Whisper White, Smoky Slate, Pool Party (Subtles DSP pack), Sweater Weather DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Big Shot: Oval Framelits Collection
Accessories: Burplap ribbon, Designer Silver Basics buttons (retired), small hole punch, Sticky Strip, Stampin' dimensionals, Snail adhesive, Glue Dots, Stampin' Spritzer, paper snips

Begin by cutting a Smoky Slate cardbase measuring 4 1/4" x 11".  Cut a Pool Party polka dot layer measuring 4 1/8" x 5 1/4", followed by a Sweater Weather DSP (brown plaid) layer measuring 3 7/8" x 5". Glue all layers together using Snail.
Cut 3 strips of paper measuring 1 1/2" x 12" - in this case I chose two patterns from the Sweater Weather DSP pack and the Pool Party polka dots again.

Flip the strips over and spray a fine mist of water onto each strip using a Stampin' Spritzer.  Be careful to not apply too much water or the paper will tear in the next step.  Rub the water with your fingertips to be sure all the paper is covered.

Flip the strips back to the right side and begin pleating the paper together just along the top edge of the strip. To add more fullness to your pleats use the round end of a bone folder to "fluff" the pleats open.  Be careful - the paper is prone to tearing because its wet so don't pull the paper too hard!

When all three strips have been pleated, secure the top edges with large clips.  Set aside to dry, minimum of 15 minutes or so.

When the strips are completely dry, take the clips off and lay onto a flat surface, wrong side up.  Apply Sticky Strip to the top edge.  Remove the backing.

Flip the strip of paper back over to the right side and begin regathering the ruffle.  This step takes time so be patient!  Use a bone folder once again to "fluff" up some of the ruffles.  Complete these steps for all three strips.

Begin applying your strips to your card base.  Line up the bottom of the ruffle with the bottom of the card, securing the center of the ruffle first.  By doing this it allows you to make adjustments to be sure your ruffle is straight.  It should be noted that you should not need to add any more Sticky Strip to the ruffles - they should still be plenty sticky!  Leave any overhang on the sides of the card as is for now; we'll tidy that up later.

Apply the next ruffle on top of the first.  Its completely up to you on how much space you'd like to leave between each.  I didn't leave a large space simply because I wanted plenty of room for my image when I placed it on.

Apply the final ruffle in the same manner as the previous two.  At this point, take paper snips and cut the ruffles flush to the edge of the cardbase.

Stamp the deer onto Whisper White cardstock using Chocolate Chip ink.  Cut out with the Big Shot using the third to smallest oval from the Oval Framelits collection.

Using the same Oval framelit used to cut out the deer image, trace the out most edge of the oval onto Sweater Weather DSP with a pencil.  Cut out the oval carefully with paper snips.  Center the deer image on this layer with Snail.

Punch a hole onto both sides of the oval, centering as best as possible.

Thread a length of Burplap ribbon through the holes as pictured.  Tie a double bow to one side of the image. Adhere to the card front using Stampin' Dimensionals.  Add a couple of buttons onto the card front as well, securing each with a couple of glue dots.

Another look at the finished card.

I hope this tutorial gave you a little inspiration!  Always remember that a stamp image doesn't have to be used for its intended purpose - masculine can be made feminine and Christmas images, used in the right way, can be used any time of the year!  Challenge yourself to see what you can come up with!

Have an inspiring day!  Until next time...
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Monday, August 12, 2013

Truly Grateful Baskets


Over at U Stamp With Dawn & Friends, we're Heating Up the Holidays over the next few weeks!  Our mission was to create using ALL the products from the new Holiday catalog - every last one!  This is one of four suites I created for this event; I chose to use the Truly Grateful stamp set and my new favorite Designer Series Paper, Sweater Weather.  I've always loved fall and its colors so I was super excited to get to use this paper - I know that there won't be much left by the time I'm done creating with it!


These little baskets would be adorable lined up on a table with other Autumn decorations for Thanksgiving, don't you think?  Add battery operated tea lights for a little warm glow or a tasty treat at each table setting to delight your guests!

If you would like full step by step instructions along with photos to re-create these little baskets, head on over to U Stamp with Dawn & Friends by clicking on the Heating Up the Holidays blinkie in the left sidebar. By the time this event is complete, you'll have 40+ projects to create!

Be sure to check back tomorrow - I'll be sharing a tutorial!  See you then!
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Thursday, August 8, 2013

Zoo Babies Giraffe


This Zoo Babies set is adorable, don't you think?  It's so whimsical and easy to design with.  I don't have a lot of baby cards to make these days (so I was pretty excited to get to make this one), but my original thoughts when I purchase this set was that it would still work great for younger children's birthday cards or for any animal lover that I need a card for.  I'm also finally getting a chance use the little retired Cute Elelments Clips from the Spring catalog (better late than never, eh?) - this little birdy adds a nice finishing touch to the card!

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Zoo Babies
Cardstock: Pool Party, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Gingham Garden DSP
Ink: Crushed Curry
Accessories: Cute Elements Clips (retired), Tombow liquid adhesive

That's all for today!  I'm off to do a little work in the garden and enjoy the sunshine.  Were experiencing extremely cool temps through the night so I want to enjoy it before Autumn sneaks up on me!

Have a wonderful day - see you tomorrow!
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Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Walk in the Wild Anniversary


I don't often make CASE (copy and share everything) cards, but the moment I laid eyes on a gem similar to this one by demonstrator Julie Gearinger I had to try re-create it.  I knew it would be perfect for my hubby's anniversary card - he's a far cry from the hearts, flowers, and frills I would normally make an anniversary card with!  And I know this card was a success because I've caught him looking closely at it more than a few times over the last couple days - that's a WINNER in my books!

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Walk in the Wild, Best of Love
Cardstock: Water color paper, Coastal Cabana, Baked Brown Sugar, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Coastal Cabana, Baked Brown Sugar
Accessories: Woodgrain embossing folder, 1 1/4" circle punch, Aqua Painter, Early Espresso Baker's twine, Brayer, Spritzer tool, sponges, Heart clip (retired), Tombow liquid adhesive, Stampin' dimensionals

Stamp the moose onto watercolor paper using Chocolate Chip ink.  Using an Aqua Painter add Baked Brown Sugar ink to the moose, Coastal Cabana ink to the sky, and Chocolate Chip ink to the grass line and paper edges.  Using a sponge and Chocolate Chip ink, deepen the color along the paper edges.  With the wide tip of a Chocolate Chip marker and a Spritzer tool add specks over the entire image.  Layer image on top of a Chocolate Chip layer slightly larger.

To create the background, cut a piece of Coastal Cabana cardstock slightly smaller than the card base. Using a brayer ink the smooth side of the Woodgrain embossing folder with Chocolate Chip ink.  Place the cardstock gently inside and run throught the Big Shot.  Layer on top of a Chocolate Chip cardbase.  I've also added a center strip in Baked Brown Sugar (also embossed with the Woodgrain folder) and added some Early Espresso baker's twine for interest.

Have a spectacular day!
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Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Happy Birthday - Spider-Man Style!


Hello!

It's been a busy weekend around here!  This past weekend was not only a long weekend for those of us in Canada - it was also my oldest son's 4th birthday as well as my 7 year anniversary!  Lot's to celebrate to say the least!  I'll be sharing the anniversary card I made for my hubby tomorrow, but today I thought I would focus on Griffin's Spider-Man themed party.

For this card, I fell back on my tried tested and true punch art.  It's an easy way to re-create characters with a little imagination and some of the great punches that Stampin' Up! has to offer in their lineup.

Supplies:

Stamp sets: A Word for You, My Digtial Studio (for the #4)
Cardstock: Basic Black, Real Red, Midnight Muse, Vellum
Ink: Basic Black
Big Shot: Oval Framelits Collection, Chevron Embossing Folder, Spider Web Embossing Folder (retired)
Accessories: Basic Black marker, Tombow liquid adhesive, sponges, paper snips, mini glue dots

To create Spider-Man's hand:

  • Cut 2 of the second to smallest ovals found in the Oval Framelits from Midnight Muse cardstock; sponge the edges with Basic Black ink
  • Cut 2 of the second to smallest ovals found in the Oval Framelits from Real Red cardstock; sponge the edges with Basic Black ink
  • Cut 5 of the smallest oval from Real Red cardstock.  With a pencil draw the outline of a finger on 3 of the ovals then cut out with paper snips; essentially you'll just trim the longer edges of the ovals to create the shape you want.  Sponge edges with Basic Black ink.
  • For the last 2 ovals you want the fingers to appear bent at the knuckle so begin by first cutting the oval in half then drawing the outline of the finger and trimming with paper snips.  Once again, sponge the edges with Basic Black ink.
  • Assemble the hand together with the photo as a guide using Tombow adhesive.  When dry use a Basic Black marker to draw the webs across the hand and fingers.
To create the web:
  • Begin with a piece of white Vellum paper; I used a sheet large enough to fit inside the entire Spider Web embossing folder; roughly 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  Run through the Big Shot.
  • Choose the web area that you would like to use and cut out with paper snips.  Lightly rub Basic Black ink over the web with a sponge.
  • Adhere behind the hand using glue dots.

Next up, party invites!  I kept them simple and quick - here's a look at the front and the back:
Supplies:

Stamp sets: Make a Wish, My Digtial Studio
Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight
Ink: Basic Black
Big Shot: Oval Framelits Collection, Spider Web embossing folder (retired)
Punches: Large Oval 
Accessories: Tombow, paper snips, sponges

A photo of the excited birthday boy and his cake!  If your curious, I didn't have a pan the right shape for Spider-Man so I baked out two 9" round cakes and trimmed them down to make the right shape before decorating.

I also made a few Spider-Man sugar cookies to go along with his cake.  I wish I'd taken a photo of someone holding one so you could see how big they were - I might have gone slightly overboard on the size LOL.  To put it into perspective they are about the size of the largest oval in the framelits collection.  Can you say SUGAR HIGH?!

Well, that's all for today!  Now that all the little extra's I had to do over the last couple weeks are over I can finally get back to designing and sharing on a more frequent basis!  I'm finishing up my last of four projects for U Stamp with Dawn & Friends, Heating Up the Holidays and when I've submitted those I'll begin working on my August projects for my tutorial store.  Hopefully those will be up next week sometime!  

Before I sign off I should mention that today is the last day of Early Bird Pricing over at U Stamp with Dawn & Friends for the Heating Up the Holiday's event.  So, if your interested head on over quick to grab over 40+ tutorials for $19.99 by clicking on the blinkie in the left sidebar.  Hope to see you there!! 

Have a wonderful day folks!

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